Shai Adeni (Yemeni Spiced Milk Tea)
Local name: شاي عدني
In short: Strong black tea simmered with cardamom and cloves, then sweetened and finished with evaporated milk and poured from a height until frothy. It takes about 17 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 17 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 125 kcal
Shai Adeni, the milk tea of Aden, is brewed strong, sweet and creamy, with cardamom and cloves in the pot. Evaporated milk gives it a thick, rounded body, and pouring it back and forth between two vessels cools it slightly and raises a froth. Tea stalls and cafes in Aden serve it in small glasses all day, and families offer it to guests with breakfast or after a meal.
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan with the cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the tea and simmer for 3 more minutes, until the liquid is very dark.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and sugar. Heat gently until small bubbles form at the edges and the tea starts to rise, then take it off the heat before it boils over.
- Strain the tea into a jug. Pour it from a height back and forth between two jugs 3 or 4 times to cool it slightly and build a froth.
- Pour into small glasses and serve hot.
Tips
- Use a robust black tea such as Assam. Delicate teas disappear once the milk goes in.
- No evaporated milk? Replace it with 350 ml (1 1/2 cups) whole milk and cut the water to 400 ml (1 2/3 cups). Simmer the tea a minute longer.
Questions and answers
Why is Shai Adeni poured from a height?
Pouring between two vessels aerates the tea, cools it slightly and gives it a light froth. It also blends the sugar and milk evenly.
What is the difference between Shai Adeni and masala chai?
Both are spiced milk teas. Shai Adeni takes a lighter hand with spices, mostly cardamom and cloves, and uses evaporated milk, so it tastes creamier and more caramelized.
Can I make the tea base ahead of time?
Yes. Simmer the water, spices and tea up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it with the milk and sugar just before serving.
How long does it take to make Shai Adeni (Yemeni Spiced Milk Tea)?
About 17 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shai Adeni (Yemeni Spiced Milk Tea)?
About 125 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 16 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 125 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
